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Pentagon deploys hundreds of US troops in southeastern Syria: Reports

Thursday, 01 March 2018 9:51 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 01 March 2018 9:53 PM ]

In this file picture, a US-backed Takfiri militant mans a heavy automatic machine gun (L) next to an American soldier as they take their positions at the al-Tanf border crossing between Syria and Iraq.

The Pentagon has reportedly deployed hundreds of American troopers in southeastern Syria on the border with Iraq as the United States is virtually occupying tens of kilometers there without the consent of the Syrian government.

Turkish-language daily Yeni Akit reported that 600 troops, including special forces soldiers, have arrived at al-Tanf garrison, which was established two years ago.

The Arabic-language Palmyra Monitor news website, which is sympathetic to foreign-sponsored Takfiri militant groups, also wrote that units of US soldiers have reached the base with armored vehicles over the past few days.

The reports come as an official from Russia’s Security Council told Ria Novosti news agency that the United States has set up around 20 military bases in areas controlled by Kurdish militants it supports in northern Syria.

“The return of peace and stability to Syria is hampered by continued external interference in the Syrian crisis. For example, in the territory controlled by the people’s self-defense units of Kurdistan, some 20 US military bases have been created,” Alexander Venediktov said.

The official also said Washington is supplying the Kurds with the most advanced weapons.

Venediktov further noted that the United States is occupying a 55-kilometer (34-mile) zone surrounding the al-Tanf garrison without the Damascus government’s consent.

A US fighter stands near a military vehicle, north of Raqqah city, Syria, on November 6, 2016. (Photo by Reuters)

“This zone includes the infamous Rukban refugee camp, where militants from illegal armed groups are freely moving near the US Armed Forces,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Russia's Ambassador to Jordan, Boris Bolotin, told Sputnik news agency he has information that Takfiri terrorists are being trained in the al-Tanf region.

“I do not rule out that they could be militants who fled Raqqah,” Bolotin said.

The US-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against what are said to be Daesh targets inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate.

The military alliance has repeatedly been accused of targeting and killing civilians. It has also been largely incapable of achieving its declared goal of destroying Daesh.

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